Crossing Paths With K.C. And D.J.

K .C. Jones played college basketball at the University of San Francisco and, along with Bill Russell, led the Dons to two NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. Jones also played with Russell on the 1956 United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal at the Melbourne Summer Games. During his playing days, he was known as a tenacious defender. K.C. Jones spent all of his nine seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, being part of eight championship teams from 1959 to 1966. In NBA history, only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more championship rings during their playing careers. After Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1967 playoffs, Jones ended his playing career.

K.C. Jones was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989. Prior to the Doc Rivers-coached Celtics championship of 2008, he was the last African-American head coach to have led a team to the NBA Championship (1986). Ironically, his 1986 Celtics are also the last NBA champion to have a majority of Caucasian players on their roster (and a majority in their starting lineup). Jones is the only African American coach to win multiple NBA championships solely as a head coach. (Bill Russell also won two titles as head coach, but he was also doubling as a player.) Also in 1986, Jones led the Eastern squad in the 1986 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas at the Reunion Arena beating the Western squad 139-132.

Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 – February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. He was an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University.

A prototypical late bloomer, Johnson overcame early struggles and had a successful NBA playing career. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. He eventually led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979, winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (MVP). After a short stint with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships. Johnson was voted into five All-Star Teams, one All-NBA First and one Second Team, and nine consecutive All-Defensive First and Second Teams. Apart from his reputation as a defensive stopper, Johnson was known as a clutch player who made several decisive plays in NBA playoffs history.

The Celtics franchise has retired Johnson's number 3 jersey, which hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden, the home arena of the team. On April 5, 2010, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced that Johnson had been posthumously elected to the Hall and would be formally inducted on August 13. He is considered by several sports journalists to be one of the most underrated players of all time.

Okay...Enough of the Wikipedia stuff. I met K.C. Jones in June of 2007 in Atlanta. I was doing my N.B.A. security thing at the Development League Pre-Draft camp. K. C. was there with his son who is a small college coach. One of his son's players was playing in the camp to try to get drafted. K. C. sidled up to me and struck up a conversation. We mostly talked about how calm his life was since leaving the N.B.A. K. C. told me all about his grandchildren. He really loves and enjoys his grandchildren. I was struck about how he possessed quiet calm and I knew immediately that he would be carrying a pocket knife and a handkerchief. (Two items my father told me were always carried by a gentleman). We talked for quite some time. I don't know why he chose to converse with me but I am the better for it.

When I met Dennis Johnson, he was the coach for the Austin Toros in the Development League. When I passed him, he would punch me playfully in the shoulder and ask me if I had shot someone today. D. J. was very approachable and was a great coach. I enjoyed him joking and laughing with me. His players had great respect for him. In February 2007, I was shocked and saddened when I heard he had died of a heart attack at the end of a practice in Austin. All the players in the league wore a patch with the number 3 for the rest of that season. I missed his presence when the Toros would come to Boise.

Both were gentleman and both great and underrated players. Both had quiet calm and were gentleman who received their accolades and paychecks after they had earned them. Today the opposite is too much the case.

Declaration Report (Part 3)

As luck would have it, every race/ride scheduled this summer has been on a day when I have had to also work a special event at work. This weekend it was the Rec Fest in Ann Morrison Park. So again I was unable to do the 100 mile century ride. I ended up riding the 50 miler as it was the next longest ride.

The pace started out fast and I jumped in with an echelon of about 30 riders. It was a little scary at first because about half of the riders were riding "over their heads" and were very unpredictable, not quite getting the idea of drafting and rider etiquette. Fortunately, those riders fell off the back as they were unable to keep the 22 m.p.h. pace. As soon as the ranks thinned out, I was near the front of the pack and my heart sank.

At the front, I could see Joe Savola and Tom Platt both strongmen for the George's Cycle Team and Kristin Armstrong, Olympic road time trial Gold Medal Winner in Bejing in 2008. There were two other George's Team members whose names I did not recall. I did not think I was long for this pack as I was in very fast company.

As we reached the twenty five mile mark, I was still in the hunt and feeling pretty good. I had drank all my water, eaten a banana, and a tube of Hammer Gel. I was a little worried when the pack blew right past the aid station and I was out of fluid and food but there was no way I was stopping.

The pace remained fast, for me, and we approached the thirty-five mile mark. I found myself right behind Tom and we exchanged greetings as we have known each other for 20 years (he is half owner of George's Cycles). Joe also said hello. It was interesting to sit on Tom's wheel and watch the difference between Joe and Tom's riding style. Joe pushes a bigger gear and Tom rarely left the small ring spinning smoothly and strong. I wish I was that smooth.

At one point, Joe dropped back to check on his wife, Kristin. Oh, I forgot to mention that Joe is married to Kristin Armstrong. She recognized me from some bike safety committees we have both sat on and said hi. That's when I noticed she was pregnant. The light bulb went off in my head and I asked Tom if they were controlling the pace as Kristin was pregnant. Tom said they were...to keep her from working too hard because if they did not, she would probably be too aggressive as is her championship nature. I pulled at the front, into the headwind for about three miles and then had to drop back so I would not bonk.

I dropped back next to another George's rider who nodded at me and complimented me on my pull at the front. He asked me where he knew me from and I told him I was on the police bike patrol. He said, "Oh, that is why you are so tough". I laughed and said no...I was just plain mean. He laughed and stated that mean was just as good as tough. We laughed again. There was trust among the riders in front with me. That is rare.

I had not experienced this kind of camaraderie since I lived in Moscow where a dozen or so riders used to meet every day at 4 p.m. and ride together for a couple of hours. Even though the pace was slower for Kristin, we still averaged almost 23 miles per hour. It was all good.

At the finish, I felt like I had ridden a hundred miles due to the dynamics of the ride. It was a good kind of "wasted' feeling. I can't wait to ride tomorrow.

Allez...!

I can't wait. It should be a good one. Wish I had the Versus channel.

Why Serious Cyclists Shave Their Legs

These are Sean Kelly's legs. If you haven't heard of him, well, it's your loss. This link give the best and most entertaining explanation for leg shaving that I have found.

http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-do-cyclists-shave-their-legs-only.html

Perpetual Optimism Is A Force Multiplier

In the early morning hours of January 7, 1994, I made my way to the Ada County Jail with a prisoner. The arrest was a simple warrant, or such, that took little time to book the person into the Jail. Another officer, a real bonehead who was fired before completing probation, was booking in a D.U.I. suspect that he had arrested. The arrestee was a well-dressed, polished gentleman who seemed very much out of place in the setting. The gentleman was amiable and well-spoken but I could feel the steel within him.

I did not like the disrespectful way the bonehead officer was treating the gentleman so I told the probationary officer to beat it and I would finish the booking. It was clear to see the gentleman was chagrined and ashamed at being arrested. He had actually been on a first date and had one glass of wine too many as he was barely over the legal limit.

I entered into a conversation with him and we talked about a great many things. I found he was a former high ranking military officer and currently a professor at Boise State University in the Political Science Department. We talked about moving on and putting things into perspective. He was a bright light in a dark forest and it was clear we were kindred spirits.

I don't remember exactly what we talked about but it included having a vision in life and embracing lifelong values and beliefs. He sent me the above letter a few days later.

I treasure the letter and read the thirteen guiding lights every day. I have never talked to the gentleman since but am thinking about getting in touch.

A wise man once told me...Closure - Vision - Creation.....

Blasphemy

There are some things in life that are sacred and the corporations of man should not mess with. There are some things that are set in stone and should not be changed. There are some irrevocable truths. Shame on the shameless marketers who change what should be. Who fly in the face of traditions held closely.

The Dodge Charger was never meant to be a four door car. Until the newest "incarnation", the Dodge Charger always was and always should be a two door coupe. Could you imagine the "General Lee" a four door...? Come on...! That would be like making a four door Camaro, a four door Mustang or a four door Challenger. You did that one right, Mopar, what is up with the Charger?!?! Blasphemy. Or make the Mazda RX-7 a four door...? Oops, they did. Holy Crap.

Porsche automobiles are sports cars and racing cars. Whose bright idea was it to water down the lineage of the finest sports car in the world by making a crossover S.U.V....? S.U.V....? The Porsche is a sleek mid engine marvel of racing engineering and tradition. Ferrari and Bugatti are rolling over in there graves. That would be like making the Lamborghini Countach into a S.U.V. or a Ferrari 308 GTS into an S.U.V....?!?! Magnum P.I. driving a S.U.V....Arrrggghhh...

I am sure that if I read close enough in the Bible (Revelations), this trend is part of the last days and the end of the world as we know it.

Yeah, I know...

LiveSTRONG

Jim Miller (51), of Owatonna, Minnestoa, was sitting at his computer looking for THE motorcycle for his son, Andrew. They had been looking for THE motorcycle for Andrew to celebrate his graduation from college in construction management and landing that first big job. Andrew had put it off as he and his wife had an 11 month old baby but he had sold his pickup to finance the purchase. It is nice when you get a company pickup.

Jim happened across a beautiful red Harley-Davidson Fatboy on eBay and immediately knew it was THE motorcycle. He excitedly called Andrew and told him of his discovery. Andrew loved the bike but said, "Dad, the bike is in Idaho...?!?!" Jim told Andrew he guessed they were in for a "hike".

You see...Jim is a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer survivor. His 2 year check up is coming up to see if he has remained clear of cancer after going through chemotherapy and such. Jim goes in for 6 months checkups that cost about $6,000 a visit. About a half million dollars have been spent on this cancer fight.

You see...Jim sees life much differently than he did pre-cancer. He lives life for the moment in as full a manner as he can. Jim celebrates life on an every day basis.

Jim and Andrew piled in the truck and began their 18 hour drive to get the motorcycle. They drove from Owatonna, Minnesota to Salt Lake City where they were to meet the seller. They arrived at the Flying Truck stop and grabbed a few hours of sleep before they were to turn around and jam back to Minnesota to make it in time for work on Monday.

The seller and his son finally arrived with the gleaming red and chrome Harley-Davidson freedom machine. Jim's face was beaming as he watched his 26 year old son run his hands over the motorcycle and take it on his first ride.

Jim and the seller had a long conversation that was genuine and sharing after Jim noticed the seller was wearing a LiveSTRONG band on his wrist. They made a friendship in a very short time.

The motorcycle was loaded on Jim and Andrew's trailer. Handshakes and well wishes were exchanged. The feeling of brotherhood was strong.

I patted my little red motorcycle on the fender as I walked by to leave and thanked it for the 8 years of wonderful memories and joy. My son, Arthur, and I climbed in the Landcruiser and headed back for Boise. I was very glad Arthur was with me for this. He is powerful backup.

I did okay for a while. I shed a few tears on the way home. A few tears in saying goodbye to my red and chrome friend and a lot of tears for my Dad. I was glad Arthur had dozed off.

See more of Jim's story at www.caringbridge.org/visit/jim.

No Shame

The Boston Celtics were 27-27 at mid season. They ended up five points shy of a N.B.A. Championship. No shame in that. As Mickerson said, it was way better than watching the Lakers play the Orlando Magic or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Good job Boston.

But the real story is expressed in the above photo. In a Finals Game 7 where defense and rebounding ruled, the loss of Kendrick Perkins was the difference in the game. I don't want to say "sour grapes" but there it is. Boston would have won with Perkins.

But what a grand celebration of athletic achievement, escape from life and death decisions, a chance to wear green jerseys, shoes and such for a month or more...There may have even been some trash talk with Lakers fans although you don't find very many in Idaho...

Ray Ray...I am going to miss your perfect jump shot and your smothering defense on what's-his-name...

Thanks to everyone for sharing it with me...

Front Page

Someone you know may be the front page story of the Idaho Statesman today.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/biking/

Maybe I will run for Mayor.

Yeah, I know...

The Cannibal Turns 65 Today

Now don't get me wrong. I admire and respect Lance Armstrong for winning 7 Tour de France titles. He is a great rider. Miguel Indurain held the record before him with 6 wins of the Tour de France. To say the Tour de France is the most difficult athletic event in the world would be an understatement. But Lance and Miguel are, in my opinion, arguably the third and fourth best riders ever respectively.

You see, nowadays, riders aim for winning just the Tour de France. They plan all the other races and training to win the Tour. Not so for Belgian born Edouard Louis Joseph, the Baron Merckx. Eddy Merckx turned 65 years old today.

He is "The Cannibal". Eddy Merckx is the best of all time. Lance, Miguel, Jaques and Bernard would all agree with me most assuredly. He rode, as a professional, from 1961 to 1978.

Why you say...? Eddy earned his nickname for always attacking no matter his standings in the general classification of a race or how far he was ahead of everyone else. For "eating up all the competition". Nowadays the race leader sits safely in the pack surrounded by his domestiques protecting his lead. Not Eddy. Not ever. He would attack and loved to demolish his opponents. He could control the entire peloton with the force of his will alone.

Eddy Merkcx accomplished 525 career victories including:

5 Tour de France

5 Giro d' Italia

1 Vuelta a Espana

3 World Championships

1 World Championship (amateur)

7 Milan - San Remo

2 Tour of Flanders

3 Paris - Roubaix

5 Liege - Bastogne - Liege

2 Amstel Gold races

2 Tour of Lombardy

2 Het Volk

3 Gent - Wevelgem

3 Fleche - Wallone

1 Paris Brussels

Eddy won all The Classics except for Paris - Tours. Eddy did not key for just one race like the current racers. He wanted to win them all. He had fierce loyalty for his sponsors and probably rode races he should have rested. Many victories came after he being injured in a bad fall in 1969. In fact, in 1971 he won 54 of the 120 competitions he raced in.

I met Eddy Merckx in Reno Nevada in 1983 at a big bike show. He was very much the gentleman and was very kind to me. He signed my copy of his biography and I have a framed signed poster that hangs in my office today.

Eddy Merckx also won the Hour Record in Mexico City and it held for 12 years. He broke the Hour Record on a standard track bike with no aerodynamic junk on it. The next rider to break it used all manner of aero junk to beat his record.

I will bolt a pair of "aero bars" on my racing bike when Eddy does...Never...

He is now a leader in the fight against leprosy and tuberculosis in the Congo.

Happy 65th birthday to Eddy Merckx...You are the man...

Now That Is Small

LA LA Land

Kendrick, I feel your pain after the Celtics loss in LA LA land. Hyper-extending your knee is no fun as I have done it once. Rondo...Where for art thou, Rondo...? I hope history repeats itself as earlier in the Series the Celtics were blinded by the lights in L.A. and lost the first game, but then found themselves in the second game and won. I am going to break out the away jersey and shorts and wear the green Icons to create all the Mojo I can for the Big Green.

Mike, please wear the Celtics hat on backwards like a dirt bag. Or not, if you have been. Ray Ray, give me 9 three pointers...!

"You're killing me, Petey, you're killing me..."

Declaration Report (Part 2)

Last Saturday, I participated in the Bob LeBow Bike Tour. Unfortunately I, again, had to do the metric century (62 miles) instead of the traditional century (100 miles). The ride started at Nampa High School, over to Melba, along the Snake River to Marsing, and back to Nampa High School.

As Pooh and Piglet would say...it was a blustery day. I stayed with the lead pack until the rest stop in Melba. I stepped in the porta-potty real quick and when I exited, they were gone. I chased hard to bridge back but then we reached Map Rock Road. The name will live in infamy.

Map Rock Road follows the Snake River, at the foot of the cliffs, to Marsing. The wind was blowing 25 to 30 miles per hour and gusting to 40 miles per hour. I kept trying to find riders to "work" with but I kept dropping them. One intrepid cyclist on a triple crank LeMond stuck to my wheel but would not pull through so I could draft. I didn't mind because I had already discovered while sitting on others wheels, prior to dropping them, that there was no "sweet spot" in this wind and drafting meant nothing.

I finally reached Marsing and ate some Goo and some orange slices. No bananas...! No Fig Newtons...! Good thing I had stuffed my pockets in Melba. As I left, I met up with a friend who works at Georges Cycles in Boise. We rode the last twenty miles together although most of it he spent on my wheel. In bicycle land, unlike most others, I am loved and adored. Being of my stature, I am marvelous to draft behind and other riders vy for the treasured position where they can stare at my lycra clad fanny.

The last 20 miles were treacherous as the 10, 20 and 35 mile riders blended in with the century riders making life extremely unpredictable. Small children on their 20" wheel bikes would suddenly veer into your path along with their clueless parents on their baloon tired cruiser. We spent most of our time in the oncoming traffic lane.

We finally arrived back and I had to pass up on the picnic and food to get to work. I worked, riding my work bike, at the Ironman 70.3 triathlon until midnight. I was in charge of the police coverage for the 13 mile run portion. A good time.

Next up is the Blue Cruise Century on the 27th of June. Come ride...!

Jeanie Lousy

Jeanie Louise is my baby sister and is 8 years younger than me. The thing I most remember about her, as children, is she was one tough cookie. She knew that she had to be tough or us older, bigger kids would not let her hang with us.

One day when we lived in Boise, I decided we should play "Knife Thower at the Circus" and Jeanie was selected as "my lovely assistant". Darts took the place of knives, as they were probably as deadly, but we were too young to be allowed knives. My "lovely assistant" stood against the wall and "The Knife Thrower" did quite well for many throws that came quite close but missed the "lovely assistant". Suddenly, a dart appeared stuck squarely in Jeanies thigh. I tried to reach inward for another magic trick to make it go away but that trick did not work. Jeanie teared up but did not cry as I begged her not to tell. She did not but someone did (I don't remember who). Probably the clown or the lion tamer. I am sure I got in big trouble but it was overshadowed by how badly I felt.

I ask for her forgiveness for the wrongs I have done her. I have not been the best of brothers.

When we lived in Buhl, Jeanie was a constant football participant in the front yard football games. I was the full time quarterback with Jeanie and Mike on one team and Justin on the other. We would play until it became too dark or we could not feel our extremities because of the cold. For some reason, we normally played barefoot and to this day I don't know why. I always named my siblings after football greats and Jeanie was dubbed "Jim Brown" after the Hall of Fame running back for the Cleveland Browns. She was a tough running back and receiver. I recall her getting hurt and running inside to parents for comfort. They would tell her to stay inside if she could not "run" with the big boys and she would be right back out ready to play.

When I try to think of one word that describes Jeanie the word is resilient. This is one of the greatest compliments in my world. (Yes, Charlotte, the sky is blue in my world.) Jeanie has weathered the challenges both geographical and familial. She has lived in places that would make me cry. All the while being married to Tom who was born with a heart several sizes too small. However, it has lately seemed to grow to normal human size and composition. I love and admire Jeanie and Tom greatly.

Jeanie has a quick wit and a strong sense of humor. She is very intelligent and patient. Her children are delightful and definitely not mainstream. She lives in the wilderness of Emmett and maintains her sanity and optimism.

I hope you "do do" have a wonderful birthday and I will miss you when you go east among the Yankees of the northeast. Happy birthday.

All This Has Happened Before, And All This Will Happen Again

'Nuff said...

You Can't Handle "The Truth"

I know that uber Lakers fan Jack Nicholson did not have Game 5 in mind when he uttered that memorable line, "You can't handle the truth!". Paul "The Truth" Pierce scored 27 points in a balanced attack by the Boston Celtics. He did not score as many points as Kobe Bryant (38) but his team won with 48 points added by KG, Ray Ray, and Rondo.

Defense wins games and Boston's defense totally disrupted the Laker's offense. What, you say! Kobe Bryant scored 38 points! Kobe Bryant is, in my mind, the best all around active basketball player today. Now, I didn't say I like him but he can rock the court. Tonight, all his shots were extremely unbelievable, difficult shots while being smothered by Ray Allen, Tony Allen or Paul Pierce. One on one. I still don't know why Doc Rivers pulled Ray Ray off Kobe except maybe for Ray Ray's four fouls or he wanted Kobe to shoot over the longer length of Pierce. I'll call him. But Kobe didn't trust his teammates and Gasol was the only other Laker to score in double figures.

I gotta tell you...I learned a lot watching Ray Ray play defense on Kobe Bryant. Ray Ray can play D. Also, he iced the game with two free throws where the ball literally hit nuthin' but net. I love that sound especially when the T.V. folks have the rims "miked".

Sorry, Jack...Not. Oh, and Ray Ray was wearing really sick Jordan Icons.

Home Defense

Thanks Raz File

Chris had a link to the Sole Collector Blog that I scammed immediately and found the shoes Ray wore for Game Three and half of Game 4.

They are the Jordan One6One7 shoes that are due to be released in August (see first photo). It is hybrid containing the very cool features of an Air Jordan XVI and XVII. I had to go to the official Jumpman site to find the kicks.

The second two pictures show the mojo Icons Ray changed into at half time of Game 4. It is good to know there are players out there that are as superstitious about basketball stuff as I am.

Bonus shots of Nate, Big Baby and Ray Ray playing great D against some Laker players...

So there you have it, even if you not giving a darn...

The Vagaries of Dining

KG Finds Flow But Celtics Fall Short to Lakers in Game 3

KG was the man but he needs some help...! Come on Ray Ray, Rajon and Paul...! I love the fierceness of Kendrick Perkins...! You're killing me, Petey...!

On The Beach

He Got Game 2 - Allen Rains 3s as C's Knot Series, 1-1

Oh yeah, Ray Ray showed up to play yesterday. No foul trouble, only seven 3 point makes in a row and ended with a record breaking 8 threes in the game. Ray Ray ended up with 32 points - 27 in the first half. Ray is the best pure shooter in the game...maybe ever. And his defense was smothering on Kobe....Kobe who...?

Yeah, I know...

Dietary Choices

Racing Made Simple

My first real race was in 1982.

I was riding my first real cool racing bike. It was a Schwinn Superior (remarketed late 70's vintage Schwinn Paramount). The frame was Reynolds 531 with french ornamental Nervex lugs. The dropouts were Campagnolo. Handbuilt and silver brazed by skilled, mostly female, frame builders in Chicago, Illinois. It was charcoal metallic with gold lettering.

The components were all Campagnolo Gran Sport with a Cinelli handlebar and stem. No "click shifting", mind you, you had to know how to shift with Campy gear. Overshift and trim back. Five speed freewheel and toe clips and straps. Vuarnet eye protection and cloth handlebar tape double-wrapped.

Italian made Detto Piettro shoes with real wool riding shorts and jersey along with the leather "hairnet" helmet. Handmade Cannondale gloves made by folks who don't drive cars or listen to music in their carriages.

Oh, and I came in first in my age group and ninth overall in the 62 mile race. If you look close you can see road rash on my right leg from a crash. I bear the scars even today. Proudly.

Simpler times.

Ever Feel Like This...?

A Singer and A Poet

My dear little wife gave this book to me about 30 years ago. I delight in reading it over and over. My sons heard this book constantly as I read it to them when they were little boys and also when they were older.

It reminds me of the silly and wonderful rhymes and limericks my father used to quote and sing. Oh yeah, my Dad could sing. Oh yeah, you could hear him over the congregation at church. Oh yeah, it made you feel like everything was all right when he sang as we rode down the road in the car. Oh yeah, he could sing.

A singer and a poet. I will be sharing pieces of this book in his memory.

Bring On The Defense

You're killing me, Ray. I feel for you having to guard Kobe Bryant but we need you in the game without the fouls. I know the refs were calling it tight. We will get the Lakers on Sunday when the Celtics game brains catch up with their bodies in L.A.

I am going to wear my away Celtics jersey AND shorts on Sunday and I think that mojo will do the trick. Beat L.A. (repeat ad nauseum).

Yeah, I know...

Kicks Envy

These Air Jordan XII Ray Allen PEs are my heart's desire. Oh, besides being able to play like Ray. The XIIs are my favorite AJs with the XXIIIs and the Icons a close second. I will be wearing my home Celtics jersey to watch the first game of the Finals tonight.

Teddy...Wishing You Were Here

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

Teddy Roosevelt
“Citizenship in a Republic”
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910